Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) is still located in the Lincoln Park Student Center, on the DePaul University campus. Catholic and Non-Catholic students are encouraged to participate in the CCM community in a number of ways. They can participate in Sunday Night Mass, attend weekend retreats, join peer-led groups discussing many topics, or enjoy free food and discussion at the weekly Cafecito con Tepeyac. This as always been a great way for every DePaul Blue Demon to engage with the welcoming, faith-filled community of CCM.
As an Alumni I am still involved with CCM so when Sister Catherine asked me to be one of the chaperones on an upcoming camping retreat at Camp Reinberg, Palatine, IL., a retreat focused on climate change and our Christian responsibility to get involved. Taking an in-depth look at the climate science and Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Sí. A weekend of relaxing in nature while reflecting on the Vincentian question, "What Must Be Done?" Set in the oak woods of historic Deer Grove, Camp Reinberg provides access to miles of trails, beautiful landscapes and many recreation opportunities.
I agreed to go on the trip it was hard to say no to Sister Catherine we had attended DePaul at the same time we were friends. She choose to serve a higher calling while I choose to practice law but we remained close friends.
There were twelve of us in total Sister Catherine and I with ten students all young woman. We set up five tents on three campsites deep in the woods with a small path of travel to and around the campsite, a raised fire pit. a picnic table, bathroom/shower building with a changing area was a little ways down a side trail.
Sister Catherine and I were sharing one of the tents and the young woman split the other four. After setting up our campsite we changed into our hiking gear. The camp provided us with camping adventure backpacks for free that include binoculars, trail guides, a compass, bottle water and a list of activities.